Those Given to Jesus

¨I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world¨. (John 17:6)

The concept of pre-destination and the idea that not all people have been chosen by God is neither a popular topic nor a light one to bring up.  I am afraid that many church leaders and teachers may shy away from diving very deep into rough waters.  It is true that while we walk on the face of the earth, it may remain impossible for us to completely understand all the mysteries of our beloved Godhead.  But it may help to see the beauty in the fact that some may have the chance to spend eternity learning and discovering these deeper wonders.

Regardless of the complications and reluctance some may feel about a touchy topic such as this selectivity, the concept was referred to by our Lord and Savior.  Therefore some importance should be given as He intended all of His words for our instruction and spiritual wellbeing.

We fortunately do not have to step on toes of the varied branches of the churches and dive into a deep and heated argument defending our personal interpretations.  To turn to such frivolous activity is like young children in the school yard pointing fingers and saying ¨you did this or you did that¨.  This type of dispute is a demonstration of worldly minded people who refuse to focus on God´s intentions and directions.  Those who choose to waste their time pushing their superior views are unfortunately not bowing at the feet of Jesus to hear His healing voice, and it is saddening to watch His children losing this precious time.

What we should do though, and the path forward is the same for any person from any branch that feeds from our Vine, is to bow with humble hearts and seek the Lord with any and every given theme or teaching.  Let the sincere man or woman go to their knees in prayer and the Holy Spirit is happy to reveal the Divine secrets to such an honest seeker.

The concept of Heavenly acceptance and distinction between one man and the other was brought to us early in the Holy Scriptures in the account of Cain and Abel.  Later it was made more pronounced with a race and a nation which God could put His name upon.  Jesus was true to this expression of God towards mankind in His teachings and therefore we should not try to minimize it nor reduce the importance of it.

We have also stated that it will not be held against us if we do not understand the concept completely.  We will not be held responsible for knowing the thoughts which God is thinking.  But we will certainly be held accountable for what we do with His words of instruction directly given to us.  Jesus mentions here in John 17 several times these people which God had given Him and made the distinction between them and other men in the world.  Therefore the true follower of Christ must acknowledge that our Teacher has something to say and that we should give weight to His words.

Instead of muddling the waters and pointing fingers, let us assume for the point of finding a light where we can view the subject, that Jesus meant these words for you and I.  Imagine that Jesus spoke of the twelve men who had followed Him throughout His ministry. (You don´t have to limit it to that, but let´s imagine.)

Jesus refers to them in a caring and endearing fashion in these verses as He prays to the Father.  He sets a distinction between them and all other men who are set on their selfish worldly ways and refuse to come and bow to the Almighty God.  Jesus also returns to speak of them as having a part of Him and being so preciously close to Him.  He asks the Father to enhance that bond to the point where they are so united together and with Him, as He is with His own dear Father.

I don´t know about you but when I read those words in this kind of light, I feel a strong desire to be a part of that bond too.  Wouldn´t it be nice to be included in the group of believers whom Jesus is praying for and that you and I may know and sense that closeness He describes?  Shouldn´t we pay whatever price or spend whatever time or energy at our disposal for increasing our opportunity to drawing that close to Him?

Whatever you believe about the topic of predestination or select individuals within the heart of God, the point is that there are some who do desire to be that close to Christ and that close to God.  He knew that and it is evident from Jesus´ words.

Wouldn´t it be just and correct for a God who sees every thought and motive, to see and to know those who would love Him that much?  Don´t you feel a burning inside of your heart to know for yourself if God finds that kind of response in you?

Let us imitate our teacher and follow His example and pray for those whom God has found this receptive, that they are enabled further and drawn into that close union today with the Father and the Son.  May you and I be included in a way that will fill our hearts to overflowing with love for a God who wants to be that close to us.

To Him and For Him foreve, Amen.

Scott W